After nearly 200 episodes of late-night laughs, internet memes, and sharp wit, the cult-favorite panel game show After Midnight has aired its final episode. The series finale, marking the 199th installment, was broadcast on CBS at 12:37 a.m. on June 12, 2025, and will be available for streaming the following day on Paramount+. Fans had hoped for a milestone 200th episode, but true to the show's ironic spirit, it ended one shy, closing a unique chapter in late-night television.
The finale brought together three seasoned competitors who had battled through the week to earn their spots: Gillian Jacobs, Marcella Arguello, and Paul F. Tompkins. Each of these comedians is no stranger to the show's fast-paced, meme-filled chaos. Jacobs, known for her deadpan humor and roles on shows like Community, secured her place by winning on Monday, June 9, 2025. Over her five appearances, she claimed three victories, showcasing her sharp comedic timing.
Marcella Arguello, a fearless stand-up comedian with a knack for quick-witted comebacks, earned her spot by triumphing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. With five appearances and two wins under her belt, Arguello’s razor-sharp humor was tailor-made for the show's lightning-fast rounds. Then there was Paul F. Tompkins, a legendary figure on After Midnight with a record ten appearances and five wins. Known for his wordplay and encyclopedic meme knowledge, Tompkins clinched his place by winning on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, promising a thrilling final showdown.
The show, a spiritual successor to the beloved @midnight, carved out a niche for itself among comedy enthusiasts, insomniacs, and the Very Online crowd. Its blend of internet culture and traditional panel game formats made it a standout in late-night programming. The final episode not only crowned a champion but also paid homage to the show's quirky and vibrant history, with a new feature article by LateNighter celebrating its most memorable guests released the same day.
Despite its devoted fanbase and a quietly secured renewal for a third season, After Midnight faced an abrupt end after host Taylor Tomlinson decided not to renew her contract. CBS announced in March 2025 that the show would not return in the fall, opting instead to replace it with episodes of Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen starting September 22, 2025. This decision marked a significant shift in the 12:30 a.m. timeslot, moving away from the panel game format to a different style of comedy programming.
Taylor Tomlinson bid a heartfelt farewell in her final monologue during the series finale. She openly expressed her disappointment over CBS's decision not to continue the show without her, sharing with the audience, "It was my dream" that the network would find a new host to carry on the legacy. Tomlinson’s departure was motivated by her desire to focus more fully on her stand-up comedy career, a move that ultimately led CBS to conclude the series rather than seek a replacement host.
Tomlinson’s final words were filled with gratitude toward the team behind After Midnight, acknowledging the collective effort that made the show a success. Her departure and the show's cancellation underscore the challenges faced by late-night programs in maintaining longevity, especially those rooted deeply in internet culture and niche audiences.
June 12, 2025, was a notable night in television, with After Midnight concluding alongside the wrap-up of other popular series such as Law & Order: Organized Crime and Top Chef. The end of After Midnight marks the close of a distinctive experiment in late-night entertainment that fused traditional panel comedy with the rapid-fire, meme-savvy sensibilities of the digital age.
As the final credits rolled on After Midnight, fans and comedians alike reflected on its impact. The show’s blend of absurdity, intellectual humor, and internet-savvy jokes created a space where comedy nerds could revel in shared cultural references and playful competition. Its abrupt ending, while bittersweet, remains fittingly in tune with the show's offbeat and ironic spirit.
With the timeslot now handed over to Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, viewers can expect a different flavor of comedy starting this fall. But for those who stayed up late to catch the final episode of After Midnight, the memories of its unique blend of humor and digital culture will linger long after the curtain fell.
